Abstract:

In August 2011, the final Upper Willamette River basin salmon and steelhead recovery plan was adopted by NOAA Fisheries and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The plan highlights a variety of activities that need to be taken by both public and private entities in order to recover these listed species. The Willamette River basin is a diverse and complicated system that encompasses
urban, forest and agricultural uses on public and private lands. It is the largest basin in Oregon, housing 70% of the state’s population and includes 16,000 miles of stream. Recovery cannot be achieved on public land alone - over 60% of land in the basin is in private ownership. All parts of the basin provide important areas for rearing, migration and spawning of salmon and steelhead.
Information is lacking about how stakeholders view the Willamette River basin salmon and steelhead recovery plan. Through 25 interviews, I collected data from stakeholders to understand their knowledge of and engagement in Willamette River basin salmon recovery efforts. Interview themes came from a Delphi review of recovery plan themes provided by NOAA personnel. I found that recovery cannot be successful in the Willamette River basin unless private landowners are better informed and willing to participate in the process. I determined a baseline understanding of stakeholders while providing a roadmap for future education, outreach and restoration efforts.